By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- In a live address on Friday, February 24 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion on Ukraine, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaking from Berlin’s Bellevue Palace, said that Germany now has to “act differently and think differently.” Steinmeier and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky both sent a clear message of solidarity as they addressed top politicians in Germany, the German parliament, the president of the German parliament, the president of both chambers of the parliament as well as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Steinmeier gave an emotional and moving address, referring to photos of the war on Ukraine that are on display in the palace. Steinmeier said: “People at the mercy of their occupiers is not a real peace, if peace is to be established it must be a just and lasting peace.”
The German president reiterated that because of Germany’s history in World War II, that Germany has for decades shied away from getting involved in conflicts and that post-war Germany’s role has been to promote peace and even had laws prohibiting German troops from being deployed beyond German territory. But Steinmeier cautioned, this is a new era and Germany must be prepared to change that stance to meet the circumstances. As Steinmeier emphasized: “It is Russia that has brutally attacked its neighboring countries. It is not Ukraine or its allies who are an obstacle to peace, it is Russia.” He added that only when Russian troops withdraw can a genuine peace take place.
Meanwhile, on Thursday at the United Nations, the UN General Assembly approved a nonbinding resolution, calling for Russia to end its hostilities in Ukraine which includes withdrawing its forces. The resolution was drafted by Ukraine in consultation with its allies, passing with a vote of 141-7 and 32 abstentions. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said such a vote proves support for Ukraine as Kuleba commented: “This vote defies the argument that the global south does not stand on Ukraine’s side.” He pointed out: “Many countries representing Latin America, Africa, Asia voted in favor.” U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan labeled the vote “an overwhelming demonstration of support for Ukraine – and a clear defense of freedom for people everywhere.” The vote is nonbinding because it was taken in the UN General Assembly not the UN Security Council since Russia has veto power on the Council.
In addition, Ukrainian President Zelensky speaking in Berlin said: “We are fighting for basic security, law and human dignity.” He added that “1,877 Ukrainian cities and villages are denied of this opportunity.” Zelensky cited the city of Mariupol that he said is “90 percent destroyed, the rubble is done away with and these ruins are turned into rubble that is used for the construction of new roads.” He added: “We need to do everything in our power to not allow Russia to occupy our neighbors. We are in unity, we stand together, we are capable to end the Russian aggression this year.” Zelensky lauded Germany for “from the very first” standing by its side and said: “Germany will be on our side on the day of victory and the day of freedom.”
The Ukrainian president addressing Steinmeier, Scholz and the German people commented: “Mr. President, Mr. Chancellor, German people, today, now is the time to restore peace with our courage, with our weapons and to create a security for all. No one will attack us anymore, no one will attack freedom if he knows the free world is resolved enough to defend freedom.” Zelensky added that “We can make sure this happens together with you, with everyone from around the world.” Meanwhile, analysts and experts on the region have pointed out that this is a very new situation that Germany finds itself in and that Germany has come a long way in doing an about-face on the issue of supplying Ukraine with weapons. As one analyst highlighted, Germany is doing much “rethinking” on this issue and that it has not yet found its new role in Europe but that the situation with Russia and Ukraine will shape that. The conclusion of those who know the region is that Germany has proven it stands solidly behind Ukraine and that now the partnership between Germany and Ukraine is stronger than ever especially after Germany agreed to supply training and advanced Leopard tanks to Ukraine. Zelensky made it clear at the outset that he was willing to negotiate with Putin but three days ago, the Ukrainian President said he realizes that only in a victory over Russia will peace be achieved.
